Greetings from a follower of Jesus who is passionate about combatting hunger. Seeds for my advocacy were planted while a student at Western Carolina University. There, for the first time, I encountered believers in a Christian fellowship who modeled remembering to do good and share with others. Foremost was a guy who had a paragraph on food waste attached to his meal ticket. Anyone who ended their meal by leaving food on their plate had to read the challenging message. I only read it once. His passion moved me closer to godliness.The Chancellor remembered the poor by having a day devoted to food insecurity. Fasting was encouraged for meal tickets could be turned in for one day. Money saved by preparing less food was donated to a charity. At noon, there was an assembly providing information about a crying need to address hunger. Our time not eating was well spent.
My four years in the mountains of Western North Carolina were rich ones full of growth in many of the most important aspects of life. My following of Jesus was deepened. Interstate 40 was incomplete in those years, thus entering and leaving the hills involved driving through interesting small towns including Swannanoa. This beautiful area became part of my world.
Hurricane Helene caused massive destruction which afflicted many in 'my world'. Suddenly multitudes of peoples' lives felt like broken pottery. The command in Hebrews 13:16 initiated a vision; "Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
My vision was to solicit donations of grocery gift cards. Staple foods in cans and boxes meet needs of the hungry, yet these people also need an option of healthier fresh foods. Plus, giving choices aids in moving afflicted people to a sense of normalcy.
A valued colleague, Tenisea Higgins, directs annual giving at WCU, plus engages students and young alumni in being involved givers. That is just her day job. On her own time she continually brings empathy, belief, positivity and harmony into efforts to remember those who became poor after Helene's destruction. Tenisea quickly informed me of two nonprofits that are accepting gift cards. Relationships with people who care are vital if we are to make an impact in our needy world.
While reading the website of Valley Strong Disaster Relief, I became am thankful for Jason Ward, board member, who states this is the life verse for his family. "Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2) The same command has repeatedly guided me in my service to others. Thus, I felt an instant connection with this ministry. Relationships with likeminded servants aid in providing workable soluntions when problems suddenly surround us.
In the past, my primary care physician donated to my team in the 5K for a food bank. Thus, I shared my small project with him. Listening intently was Stacy Woodward, the office manager. Little did I know the management that she was going to provide for this ministry. Relationships with new contacts that bloom where they are planted are instrumental in remembering the poor. "All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along." (Galatians 2:10)
Such rememberances must be saturated with prayer. I was depending on God to provide donors. In faith, I was expecting provision for others. On the radio I head a teaching that sometimes the Lord will give more than we ask for. Later, I leaned that Stacy had shared this service project with Bloom, the ladies fellowship of Young Memorial Baptist Chuch, Concord, NC. Relationships between where we learn truth, and whom we serve with, are connected by the same thread in the tapestry of our lives.
Concord is defined as "agreement or harmony between people or groups". In this perilous year, more people are needed to create concord. The ladies definitely display the positive character trait of their town's name. When Stacy presented me with a thick envelope of Food Lion cards, it was evident that they responded with hearts of compassion for the needy. Through our combined efforts, 33 gift cards will buy a total of $2000 of food items. Our prayers bore fruit spoken of in Ephesians 3:20-21. "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."
May the ladies of Bloom Fellowship long remember that in the character of Christ there is a desire to do more than we ask. May this allow their faith to grow. May they continue in prayer as well as ministry that outreaches to others to serve them. "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
As the Bloom ladies retreat at Ridgecrest, may God do a work that strengthens them to continue to follow the motto of their church. "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (Ephesians 4:1)
To the leaders of their church, be encouraged that your teaching is bearing fruit. These ladies are making significant applications of the truth you are presenting them with.
To the leaders of Valley Strong Disaster Relief, and all who have journeyed there to assist, may you continue to "bear one another's burdens."
To my faithful friends, and all who have born the burdens of the victims of Helene in many locations, claim this promise. "The generous will be themselves blessed, for they share their food with the poor." (Proverbs 22:9) Walk with an expectancy of God's blessings.
May all who read my words receive hope and encouragement. May we all experience the reality of Jesus Christ who is able to do " immeasurably more than we ask or imagine." Relationships where this is shared become strong and impacful.
